Are you all enjoying the delightful season of strawberries and grapes? As nature's sweet gems grace our tables, it's hard to resist their juicy allure. However, amidst the joy of indulging in these vibrant fruits, a cautionary note must be sounded. Many fall ill after consuming them, not due to the fruit itself, but because of inadequate washing. Healthcare provider Chander Asrani, in a revealing Instagram post, shed light on a common oversight: the presence of residual fertilizers and pesticides on these fruits. The chemicals tend to lodge in the crypts of strawberries and coat many grapes, posing health risks if ingested.
Also Read: 7 Tips To Buy Perfect Strawberries And Store Them For Up To One Year
How do you clean and remove toxins from strawberries and grapes?
Asrani advises a thorough cleansing ritual before consuming them. His recommendation? A simple yet effective method: soak the fruits in salt water for 20 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse under running water. The important thing to remember here is to dry them after washing in a dry towel before eating them.
Why? Because strawberries, if kept moist for long, can grow fungus very fast and many people have developed severe fungal throat infection after eating uncleaned grapes and strawberries," explained the expert.
Also Read: 5 Fruits And Vegetables You Should Never Store Together
While the saltwater bath is an effective technique, alternative methods exist to ensure fruit cleanliness:
Other Best Ways To Clean Fruits:
1. Vinegar Wash:
Create a solution of water and vinegar (3:1 ratio) and soak the fruits for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
2. Baking Soda Bath:
Mix baking soda with water (1:3 ratio) and let the fruits soak for 12-15 minutes. Rinse under running water afterwards.
3. Commercial Fruit Wash:
Available in stores, these products are designed specifically for fruit cleansing. Follow package instructions for optimal results.
4. Veggie Wash:
Some commercially available vegetable washes are suitable for fruits too. Dilute as per instructions and use accordingly.
Remember, the goal is to eliminate harmful residues without compromising taste or texture. With these simple yet effective techniques, you can relish the season's bounty with peace of mind.
About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.